The City of Sandy Springs announced today that it has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and a Request for Information (RFI) related to redevelopment in the City’s downtown area. Letters of Interest (no more than 10 pages) for the RFQ are due January 30, 2012. Submissions for the RFI are due February 10, 2012.
“Development of the City’s downtown area is one of the most significant decisions the City will face for the next 20 years or more. This major planning effort will bring together the downtown property owners, the community, and the city leaders as we launch the redevelopment of our downtown,” said Sandy Springs Mayor Eva Galambos.
The first step in the planning process will be focused on the RFQ. The firm selected from this process will be charged with helping the city develop a master plan for the Central Business District, creating a 10-year update to the Downtown Sandy Springs LCI Study, and developing a detailed site plan and development analysis for a civic center complex and/or other selected properties that may be identified for public investment.
“The selected firm must demonstrate national experience in the development and execution of master plans that resulted in redevelopment,” said Sandy Springs City Manager John McDonough. “We are searching for a firm that has demonstrable experience with civic partnerships including property owners and the development community.”
City leaders hope to have a short list of candidates selected and interviews underway by mid-February. A March date is targeted for a selected contractor to begin work. The LCI update portion of the plan must be completed by July 30, 2012.
Concurrent with the release of the RFQ, the City has issued an RFI to gather information on areas for potential municipal investment in the city center area.
“As we begin this planning process, it is the time to look at available options to make certain that our investment of public dollars creates the best solution to meet the needs of the city. The Mayor and Council have been clear in setting goals for development of the City Center,” added McDonough.
Specifically, the public investment envisioned by the City would be in the form of the following:
- A stand-alone government facility or mixed-use project, incorporating residential and non-residential uses including a new municipal complex; and/or
- Other public investment that will act as a catalyst and addresses impediments to redevelopment. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Improvements to stormwater infrastructure;
- Public parking facilities;
- Interparcel access;
- Public greenspace or open space; and
- Enhancements to the transportation infrastructure
To encourage participation and address any questions regarding the RFI, city staff will hold an informational session for interested property owners on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 from 2-4 p.m. in the Community Room of the Heritage Bluestone Building, located at 6110 Bluestone Road, Sandy Springs, Georgia. The firm selected through the RFQ process to help the city with the master plan will review RFI submissions and provide city staff with recommendations to present to the City Council.
“Public participation is essential to success in the planning efforts. At each stage in the planning process, the City will involve key stakeholders including businesses, property owners, residents of Sandy Springs and City leadership,” added McDonough.
Request Documents
Originally Published: Thursday, January 05, 2012